The Department of Foreign Affairs has adopted a temporary 20-working day schedule for the release of passport starting Monday, February 23, 2015 until it has shifted to an “up-to-date” system.
“The DFA assures the public that normal passport releasing schedules will be restored upon the end of the transition period to an improved passport system with enhanced security features that will facilitate every Filipino’s travelling experience and safety,” a department statement said.
Under the new schedules:
• passport issuance at DFA Aseana (Office of Consular Affairs) at Parañaque City may take 20 working days for regular processing, and 10 working days for express processing
• issuance at satellite offices at SM Megamall, SM Manila, Metro Mall Alabang, Robinsons Galleria and Ali Mall may take 20 working days for regular processing and 10 working days for express processing
• issuance at regional consular offices may take 30 working days for regular processing and 20 working days for express processing.
In the case of regional consular offices, the 20-day express period is “for applicants with approved POEA job orders, job orders approved by labor attaches that are acknowledged by consular officers, or existing work visas.
Previously, the release of passport takes only from 7 to 15 working days.